Reflecting on being the adult daughter of a narcissistic mother, and trying to break the cycle for my own children.

mean

Next time the monkeys are on my back, I know what song I'll sing to myself:

The video looks like it was incredibly fun to film and appeals to the actress in me, but it's the lyrics that really matter:

You, with your switching sides and your wildfire lies and your humiliationYou have pointed out my flaws again, as if I don't already see themI walk with my head down trying to block you out cause I'll never impress youI just wanna feel okay againI bet you got pushed aroundSomebody made you coldBut the cycle ends right now cause you can't lead me down that road

...Someday I'll be big enough so you can't hit meAnd all you're ever gonna be is mean

About Claire

I'm a forty-year-old idealist, artist, mother of three children, and member of a long line of dysfunctional families headed by a narcissistic parent and an enabling spouse. My goal is to do my best to break the chain and create a healthier future for myself, my children, and my marriage. In wading through the unfamiliar territory of separating from the tribe of my birth and learning how to build my own, more loving tribe, I have discovered the importance of people telling their stories. These are my experiences as the adult child of a narcissist (ACON). I hope you'll share yours.

Unless noted, all photographs are mine. Please give photographers and artists credit for using their work!